AVMT 203 - Airframe Group III: Non-Metallic Structure

(4 credits)

Lecture:

Wood structures, including inspection techniques, tools, and practices for wood structures. Effects of moisture/humidity on wood and fabric coverings. Types and general characteristics of wood use in aircraft structures. Permissible substitutes and other materials used in the construction and repair of wood structures. Acceptable and unacceptable wood defects. Wood repair and techniques and practices. Selection of glue (adhesive) or fasteners for aircraft structure. Factors used in determining the proper type covering material. Types of approved aircraft covering material. Seams commonly used with aircraft covering. Covering textile terms. Structure surface preparation. Covering methods commonly used. Covering means of attachment. Areas on aircraft covering most susceptible to deterioration. Aircraft covering preservation/restoration. Inspection of aircraft covering. Covering repairs techniques and practices. Inspection/testing of composite structures. Types of composite structure defects. Composite structure fiber, core, and matrix materials.

Composite materials storage practices and shelf life. Composite repair methods, techniques, fasteners, and practices. Maintenance safety practices/precautions for composite materials/structures, and windows. Selection of glue (adhesive) or fasteners for aircraft structure. Composite structure repairs. Exposure to materials used in composite repair. Storage of composite materials. Measuring and mixing of materials associated with composite construction. Use of materials that are not part of an approved repair system. Material shelf life. Thermoplastic material inspection/types of defects. Thermoplastic material storage and handling. Thermoplastic material installation procedures. Care and maintenance of windows. Window temporary and permanent repairs. Maintenance safety practices/precautions for composite materials/structures, and windows. Inspecting restraint and upholstery.

Lab:

Inspect and repair fiberglass. Prepare composite surface for painting. Perform a tap test on composite material. Locate and explain repair standard dimensions. Perform lay up for a repair to a composite panel, including preparation for vacuum bagging, using a manufacturer’s repair manual. Inspect composite, plastic, or glass-laminated structures. Clean and inspect acrylic type windshields. Locate and explain procedures for a temporary repair to a side window. Identify appropriate fasteners on composite structures. Locate and explain the procedures for tying a modified seine knot. Locate and explain repair procedures for elongated bolt holes. Determine extent of damage and decide if nonmetallic structure is repairable.

This class consists of 4 lessons and 3 labs.